Technical Questions

What is ALA?

ALA stands for Alpha Linolenic Acid, which belongs to the Omega-3 family of fatty acids. ALA is classed as an Essential Fatty Acid (EFA) as it cannot be synthesised in the body, so must be taken as part of your well balanced diet.

Flaxseed Oil and Hemp Seed Oil are sources of ALA.

What is LA?

LA stands for Linoleic Acid, which belongs to the Omega-6 family of fatty acids LA is classed as an EFA, as it cannot be synthesised in the body, so must be taken as part of your well balanced diet. .

Flax Balance and Safflower Seed Oil are sources of LA

What is SDA

SDA stands for SteariDonic Acid.  A healthy body can make this fatty acid as a derivative of the Omega-3 EFA, ALA.

Flax Boost, Flax Bloom and Hemp Seed Oil are sources of SDA

What is GLA

GLA stands for Gamma Linolenic Acid.   A healthy body can make this fatty acid as a derivative of the Omega-6 EFA, Linoleic Acid.

Flax Boost, Flax Bloom and Hemp Seed Oil are sources of GLA

There are two EFAs (Essential Fatty Acids) that must be obtained from the diet or from supplements because they cannot be synthesized in the body - the Omega-3 - ALA (Alpha  Linolenic Acid) and the Omega-6 LA (Linoleic Acid).

When these fatty acids are converted to secondary EFAs, they undergo a series of enzymatic reactions in the body that desaturate them (add a double bond by removing a hydrogen atom) eg. D6D (Delta 6 Desaturase) and elongate them (by adding two carbon atoms).

These reactions are shown in the following diagram:

Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-6 fatty acids

Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
18:3n-3

Linoleic acid (LA)
18:2n-6

D6D

D6D

Stearidonic acid (SDA)
18:4n-3

Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA)
18:3n-6

20:4n-3

Dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA)
20:3N-6

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
20:5n-3

Arachidonic acid (AA)
20:4n-6

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
22:6n-3

The first step in the metabolism of both the Omega-3 and Omega-6 EFAs is D6D.   This step is the one most affected by a variety of nutritional, hormonal and metabolic factors.   Therefore if any of these factors is compromised the conversion process will be affected.

Because some of the same enzymes are used to metabolise both the Omega-3 and Omega-6 families, an excess of either family of fatty acids can interfere with the metabolism of the other - its all about the balance.

ALA, the Omega-3 found in flax seed oil, appears to have these destinations:

• Used as a component of all the cell membranes
• Converted to the long-chain Omega-3 fatty acids e.g. EPA and DPA
• May be burned to produce energy

ALA in the cell membranes improves the flow of oxygen, nutrients and wastes in and out of the cell and improves communication between cells.

Factors affecting the D6D conversion efficiency:

• Diet - a diet rich in LA decreases ALA conversion by as much as 40%.   ALA conversion is negatively affected by intake of trans fatty acids (twisted fat molecules found in hydrogenated, polyunsaturated vegetable oils).   High intake of the long-chain Omega-3 fatty acids will also slow down conversion.   Furthermore, dietary deficiency in any of the co-factor nutrients required for conversion (vitamins B3, B6 and C available and the minerals magnesium and zinc) will decrease efficiency.
• Gender - women seem to be more sensitive to diet than men and will therefore convert more ALA to DHA when their diet is deficient in DHA.   This may be important during pregnancy and lactation in order to ensure that the foetus/baby obtains sufficient long-chain Omega-3 fatty acids for development. 
• Cigarette smoking - a study on human cells found that cigarette smoke reduces the conversion of ALA to EPA and DHA
• Stress
• Diabetes
• Alcohol
• Genetic factors
• Age - efficiency may decline with age

The Primary Essential Fatty Acids (EFA's) Alpha Linolenic Acid (ALA - Omega-3) and Linoleic Acid (LA - Omega-6) are present in all our Waihi Bush Organic Farm products.

Fish oil contains the Secondary Omega-3 fatty acids EicosaPentaenoic Acid (EPA) and DocosaHexaenoic Acid (DHA).

A healthy body can make its own EPA and DHA from ALA.

Conversion can be hampered by a number of other factors such as:

• High intake of trans fats and too much Omega-6
• Stress
• Diabetes
• Alcohol
• Smoking
• Genetic factors

The very young (foetuses and infants) are more efficient because of the high requirement to build a healthy young body and brain.

Young women appear to be more able than young men to convert from ALA to the secondary Omega-3s EPA and DHA.

To make the Secondary EFAs it is necessary to have adequate vitamins B3, B6 and C available and the minerals magnesium and zinc.   These nutrients are used as co-factors in the enzyme reaction that performs the conversion.

Conversion efficiency is therefore variable in the population.

We have designed Waihi Bush Organic Farm - Flax Boost especially for those who need help bypassing the first conversion step, which changes ALA into SteariDonic Acid (SDA) and changes LA into Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA). Once the body has access to SDA it can easily convert this into the EPA and DHA it needs for optimum health.

Flaxseed is the richest dietary source of the lignan secoisolariciresinol diglycoside (SDG).   SDG is converted by the bacteria in a healthy gut into forms (enterodiol and enterolactone) that can act in the human body both as phytoestrogens and as antioxidants.

Phytoestrogens (oestrogens derived from plants) are able to attach to oestrogen receptors on the body cells, but their oestrogenic activity is much weaker than the body's own (endogenous) oestrogens.  Phytoestrogens can therefore potentially reduce oestrogenic activity in the tissues, by competing with endogenous oestrogen for receptor sites.   Such anti-oestrogenic effects may support a reduction in the effect of oestrogen dominance, which is common in this modern world.

Conversely, phytoestrogens may supplement low endogenous oestrogen in post-menopausal women.

Because of their antioxidant activity, Lignans may support a healthy, balanced inflammatory response

Young in the womb are particularly sensitive to hormones.   High oestrogen levels are needed to prepare the uterus for the growing foetus, however too much oestrogen during pregnancy potentially has adverse effects. The phytoestrogens from Flaxseed or soy have the ability to influence the reproductive performance of an adult, both positively and negatively.

Flax Fibre therefore carries a warning that pregnant women seek counsel from their health practitioner.

Waihi Bush Organic Farm Flaxseed Oils do not contain active quantities of lignans and are therefore safe to consume during pregnancy and lactation - indeed your body has a high requirement for Omega-3 fatty acids at these times. 

Blackcurrant Seed Oil

Blackcurrant Seed Oil contains the Omega-3 acid - SDA. It also contains the Omega-6 - GLA

GLA and SDA by-pass the first step in the conversion of the Omega-6 LA and the Omega-3 ALA, which can be hampered by some health conditions and dietary inadequacies/imbalances. See 'EFA Metabolism and Conversion' and 'How efficient is a conversion of primary EFAs to their derivative secondary EFAs?'

Blackcurrant Seed Oil is used in Flax Boost, Flax Bloom and Flax Magic to take advantage of its SDA and GLA content.

Safflower Seed Oil

While Flax Seed Oil has three times as much ALA as LA, the cultivar of Safflower Seed Oil used in the Flax Balance, Flax Magic and Flax Bloom blends is a source of LA (Omega-6) and has no ALA (Omega-3).

Our ancestors evolved on a Palaeolithic diet supplying equal amounts of Omega-3 and Omega-6. Research suggests that a typical modern western diet can result in severe EFA imbalances - an Omega-3:Omega-6 ratio of 1:15, 20 or even 30, may not be unusual.

However, in people who are not as Omega-3 depleted, e.g. infants and children who have not had decades of poor diet. Normal Flaxseed Oil may not be appropriate because it is too high in Omega-3.   This is why we have used safflower oil in Flax Magic and Flax Bloom.

Hemp Seed Oil

Hemp Seed Oil is a well-balanced oil, containing the Omega-3 ALA and the Omega-6 LA in a 1:2 ratio.   It also contains the Omega-3, SDA and the Omega-6, GLA.

GLA and SDA by-pass the first step in the conversion of the Omega-6 LA and the Omega-3 ALA, which can be hampered by some health conditions and dietary inadequacies/imbalances. See 'EFA Metabolism and Conversion' and 'How efficient is the conversion of primary EFAs to their derivative secondary EFAs?'.

Hemp Seed Oil is used in Flax Magic to take advantage of its SDA and GLA content and its well-balanced Omega-3:Omega-6 ratio.

The psychoactive ingredient in Marijuana is THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).   Our Hemp Seed Oil has been laboratory tested and there are NO detecable traces of THC found .

Evening Primrose Oil

EPO (Evening Primrose Seed Oil) is one of the richest sources of the Omega-6 fatty acid - GLA.

GLA is an Omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid found in very few plants. Along with Evening Primrose, it is found in Hemp Seed and Black Currant Seed Oils.

A healthy body has the ability to make GLA from LA. However, over-consumption of Omega-6, which is typical in the western diet, can actually reduce body concentrations of GLA because the conversion from linoleic acid to GLA is inhibited by too much LA.

EPO is used in Flax Bloom, Flax Boost, Flax Power and Flax Magic.

Coconut Oil

Coconut Oil is one of the richest sources of lauric acid, which is the medium chain fatty acid found in high concentrations in human breast milk.

Lauric Acid has the additional beneficial function of being converted into monolaurin in the human body.

Coconut Oil can give improved energy levels and metabolic rate by regulating thyroid function and helps to keep your skin healthy and youthful looking

Coconut Oil is used in Flax Bloom.

Pumpkin Seed Oil

Pumpkin Seed Oil is a good source of Omega-6 and Omega -9.

Pumpkin Seed Oil contains:

• phytosterols which support anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidatant activities.
• a wide range of vitamins (Vitamin E b- and g-tocopherol) and Vitamin A (lutein and b-carotene).

Pumpkin Seed Oil is used in Flax Bloom and Flax Power

Waihi Bush Organic Farm Flaxseed Oils and Flaxseed Fibres are quality functional food ingredients that lend themselves well to many applications.

For more information about the impressive nutritional properties of these ingredients:

• Read more about Flaxseed Oil
• Read more about Flaxseed Fibre

As well as improving the nutritional profile of foods, Flaxseed Fibre and Flaxseed Oil can impart a pleasing texture and flavour.

Flaxseed Fibre also reduces the need for shortening or oils in baked goods - it can be used at a 3 to 1 ratio to the shortening or oil being replaced.    Goods will brown more quickly.

Flaxseed Fibre can be used in recipes as an egg replacer - 1 tablespoon of flax fibre plus 3 tablespoons of water will substitute for 1 egg.   The mixture should be allowed to sit for 1 to 2 minutes before use in your recipe.

When substituting Flaxseed Fibre for flour, aim for about 15% of the flour content or 8% of the total dry ingredient weight.   The soluble fibre in flax fibre can help to improve loaf volume, oven spring and shelf life of the finished product.

Because of Flaxseed Fibre's water binding properties, the water added to a formula should be increased by an amount equivalent to 75% of the flax meal added.

In yeast bread, Flaxseed Fibre can replace 10-15% of the flour.   To maintain the same proof time, texture and consistency, the yeast should be increased by 25%.

Potential applications for Flaxseed Fibre include:

• Rolls, bagels, bread, crackers, muffins
• Cereals, granola
• Pasta
• Energy bars, chews
• Dry mixes for pancakes, muffins, waffles
• Powdered drink mixes
• Egg replacement in vegan goods
• Butchery products e.g. sausages, patties
• Soups
• Pet foods

Potential applications for any Waihi Bush Organic Farm Flaxseed Oils blend include:

• Beverages
• Frozen dessert with the Flaxseed Oil blend replacing part of the milk fat
• Pet foods

Call us to discuss your ideas on how your company can incorporate Waihi Bush Organic Farm Flaxseed Oils and Flaxseed Fibres into your products to instantly improve their nutritive value.

Studies have shown that Flax Fibre Original is surprisingly stable, despite its content of polyunsaturated Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.   For instance in one study neither trained sensory test panellists nor laboratory tests for oxidation by-products were able to detect any significant change in packages of 1kg bags of milled flax seed stored at 23°C for 128 days.

Accelerated shelf life studies carried out by Plant and Food Research Ltd, Lincoln, Christchurch for Functional Whole Foods New Zealand Ltd have confirmed the stability of ALA in flax seed oil blends for over 13 months at ambient temperatures.

Canadian researchers have also demonstrated the stability of the flax lignan, SDG in baking applications.

The Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), the Omega-3 in Flaxseed flour or meal appears to be stable to heat at the temperatures involved in cooking doughs and batters to make bread, muffins or pancakes. This is because of the very high levels of antioxidants present.

One test heated milled flax seed to as high as 350°C for 60 minutes with no significant change in oxidation by-products or creation of trans-isomers of ALA or cyclic fatty acids. Subsequent tests have confirmed baking stability.

Our bottles are made from High Density Polyethylene (HDPE). This is a high quality, food grade, extremely safe material to use for food packaging (especially oils).

We often get asked the question "Why Don’t You Use Glass Bottles?"

We choose to use our current HDPE bottles, as they are the only truly light proof bottle available to us.  It is essential that our high quality oil is not subjected to any light to the extent that we bottle in a darkened room.

Because all Omega-3 oils contain three double bonds, they are extremely unstable, and they need to be processed with great care to taste good and be functionally useful in your body. If they don't taste good and have a bitter aftertaste, then they are damaged and will not actively support your body towards health.

If your Omega-3 oils are packaged in anything but completely lightproof containers, such as black plastic, they will taste bitter and not be good for you. Our testing has shown that brown, dark green or violet glass do not block enough light to protect our oils from damage.

HDPE doesn't allow any chemicals to leach into the oil and our suppliers claim that phthalates or BPA are NOT being used in our HDPE bottles ( these are the most common 'nasties' in plastics). Their claim is backed up by the scientific literature.

We constantly review the options available to us, as sustainability is as important to us as it is to you.  Our organic status is not just about the non-use of pesticides, but is a whole system of fostering sustainable practices throughout our supply chain and ensuring environmentally friendly principles. We regularly test all types of glass from around the world with the hope that one day there will be a glass solution that offers the protection from light that our oil requires.  Our commitment is to deliver a superior product that has maximum nutritional integrity and great taste. We hope this clarifies our position
 

What is the gel capsule made of?

Bovine gelatin coloured black with natural caramel.

What is the vege capsule made of?

Seaweed extract coloured black with natural caramel.